Potential Health and Environmental Risks of Three-Dimensional Engineered Polymers

Area of Science:

• Polymer Engineering
• Toxicology
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Polymer engineering, particularly 3D printing, is increasingly used in science, medicine, and general applications.
• The toxicity of engineered materials, especially those used in 3D printing and medical devices, is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the toxicity of five common 3D-printable polymers (PIC100, E-Shell200, E-Shell300, polydimethylsiloxane, and polystyrene) on early bovine embryo development.
• To evaluate the potential of these polymers to induce estrogen receptor transactivation.
• To identify leached polymer components using mass spectrometry.

Main Methods:

• Exposure of early bovine embryos to 3D-printed and molded polymer parts.
• Assay for estrogen receptor transactivation.
• Mass spectrometry analysis to identify leached compounds.

Main Results:

• PIC100, E-Shell200, and E-Shell300 inhibited embryo development beyond the two-cell stage, correlating with released diethyl phthalate and polyethylene glycol.
• All tested polymers, except polystyrene, induced estrogen receptor transactivation.
• Materials leached from PIC100 inhibited embryo cleavage and oocyte maturation in co-culture systems.

Conclusions:

• Engineered polymers used in 3D printing pose potential toxicity risks to reproductive health.
• Cautious application of these materials in household 3D printing and bioengineering is recommended.
• Safe disposal practices for used devices and waste are essential.